Honours Dissertation module for Professional Health Studies/Nursing Studies

Summary of the Module

Summary of the Module
The Honours Dissertation is an important element of the BSc Professional Health Studies/ Integrated Health and Social Care/ Nursing Studies programme and is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate, through independent work, the ability to apply theoretical principles studied throughout the under graduate programme. 

The emphasis is on independent study. However, one member of the academic staff will act as the project supervisor. Supervisors will ensure that there is an appropriate focus for the study and advise on the scope of the topic chosen as the basis for investigation. 

Dissertation module students undertake an independent piece of literature research on a topic that interests them and is relevant to their Professional Health Studies/ Integrated Health and Social Care/ Nursing Studies degree. This literature research project provides students with the opportunity to develop and enhance a range of skills such as independent research, critical evaluation and review and the ability to write an extended piece of work. Once completed, the research review adds to the body of knowledge the world has about the topic. The project is carried out with guidance and support from an academic supervisor.

This module is suitable for nursing, health and social care students from anywhere in the world as it allows the application of theory to practice regardless of geography or care setting. This enhances the global citizenship of students by providing a critical understanding of health and social care across the world.  As this module is theoretical in content a workplace supervisor is not required.

Module delivery
The Honours Dissertation is a 40 credit module
The module is delivered over two consecutive trimesters
Workshops: Student attend two workshops early in Trimester 1 and one workshop early in Trimester 2.
Academic Supervision:  Within the first few weeks you will be allocated a supervision whom you will have contact with at least every three weeks for the duration of the module.  

Module Assessment
The Honours Dissertation module assessment is based solely on the submission of a dissertation which will be between 8,000 and 9,000 words in length which achieves the module learning outcomes. 
Step 1: Framing the topic/ question within the  review 
The topic/ question to be addressed by the review clearly outlined with an introduction and aims of the dissertation section. Approximate wordage 1000 words

Step 2: Search Strategy
The search strategy should be extensive. Multiple resources (both computerized and printed) should be searched. The criteria and search  
process should clear. Reasons for inclusion and exclusion should be included Approximate wordage 1000 words
 
 
Step 3: Appraising the quality of studies
The quality of the literature found should be assessed and discussed.  Selected studies should be subjected to a more refined qualityassessment by use of general critical appraisal guides and design-based quality checklists.  An example of the Cochrane review and dissemination hierarchy of evidence in Appendix 3 can be used.
Approximate wordage 1000 words
 
Step 4: Summarizing the evidence
 Detailed discussion of the literature and emerging themes should be conducted.  Approximate wordage 2000

Step 5: Interpreting the findings of literature  
Detailed critical discussion of the literature and impact on your topic/ question.  This can be demonstrated by the use of a case study or 
specific situation. Any recommendations and conclusions as a result should be included Approximate wordage 3000